When it comes to online gambling, Arizona probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. Why? Well, the only form of online gambling in Arizona is online sports betting and that’s about it.
So, no online casino action, and the truth is, there is no momentum to legalize online casinos here, which means that casino apps will still be illegal for quite some time.
But does this mean that there is no mobile gambling action? Well, the gambling scene in Arizona is combined with slot machines of tribal casinos, legal sports betting, sweepstakes casinos, and, of course, whispers of crypto gambling. Since the legalization of online sports betting in 2021, everything changed here, and most gambling companies have started focusing on mobile gambling.
Mobile Sports Betting
Just a few years ago, online mobile betting was something imaginary in Arizona. But then the legalization of online sports betting came with HB 2772 in 2021 and changed things. Now, 13 online sportsbooks are offering online betting services, and you can bet on anything from the NFL to the UFC.
These platforms are regulated by ADG, ensuring that they’re licensed and secure, and Desert Diamond Casinos is their only locally owned app that allows people to wager on sports.
In 2024, sports betting handled $7.2 billion in wagers, generating $650 million in revenue, with 70% of bets placed via mobile apps. So, obviously, we are talking about a huge industry, which brings out the question, “Why no online casinos?”. Well, we don’t know why Arizona is keeping pushing the break on legalizing online casinos, so until further notice, mobile sports betting is going to be the main driving factor of the online gambling industry here.
Sweepstakes Casinos
Just because you cannot play real-money casino apps, it doesn’t mean that there is no online casinos available in Arizona. We still have Sweepstakes, which are kind of a loophole allowing them to operate since they don’t allow you to play with real money.
Instead, sweepstakes casinos give you an option to purchase in-game coins and use them to play casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette. Basically, you are still playing with money, but there is less risk, and a lower chance of a big reward compared to real money casino apps.
Now, there are a couple of sweepstakes casinos operating here, and since they are legal under Arizona law, there are many people who choose to engage with such apps. But of course, there aren’t many options.
They are accessible through your phone, they mimic Vegas-style games with HD graphics, and you can play them for free or choose to buy Gold coins or Sweeps Coins just to win cash prizes.
Crypto Gambling
Crypto casinos are emerging as Arizona’s next frontier, though they operate in a gray area. Platforms like Stake let players bet with Bitcoin or Ethereum, offering slots and table games with fast, anonymous payouts.
While not ADG-regulated, these apps gain traction for their blockchain security—transactions are logged transparently, cutting fraud risks. About 5% of Arizona’s online gamblers use crypto in 2025, with growth fueled by younger players.
Free to join; deposits vary ($10-$100 in crypto). Budget tip: Convert only $20-$50 to crypto to hedge volatility. But there are risks. Crypto’s unregulated status means no ADG protection—use reputable platforms and avoid scams.
Tribal Casinos
Arizona’s 25 tribal casinos, like Desert Diamond and Gila River Wild Horse Pass, remain the backbone of gambling, generating $2 billion annually under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
These venues, run by 16 tribes, offer slots, poker, and blackjack but are adapting to mobile trends. Many now integrate apps for loyalty programs or sports betting, letting players track comps or bet on-site.
There is a free entry, and bets are between $1-$500. It is not an online experience, but if you want to play casino games with real money, this is your only option in Arizona (especially if you are not interested in offshore online casino apps).
Why Arizona’s Mobile Bet Pays Off
Arizona’s mobile gambling surge is a masterclass in balancing tradition and innovation. Sports betting apps drive 70% of wagering volume, sweepstakes casinos skirt legal barriers, crypto platforms push boundaries, and tribal casinos bridge the physical-digital divide.
The state’s $1.5 billion gambling market thrives on accessibility—bet anywhere with a 10 Mbps connection. But the potential for the future is huge. At the moment, there are no signs that Arizona will legalize online casinos anytime soon, but if they do, it is going to be a floodgate of innovation in the world of mobile games. The 2021 law opened the floodgates, and while online casinos await legalization (tribal talks ongoing), Arizonans aren’t short on options.
